Sponsoring:

From: Lisa Ridley
------------------------------------------------------
Hey guys,
Question from someone with rudimentary hardware skills and basic =
hardware knowledge about purchasing a network router for a small office. =
When I say rudimentary, I mean that I can plug things up, work a =
screwdriver or other tools, can usually figure out from documentation =
what I need to figure out to configure things, and I can hold my own at =
the command line. =20
I currently am using an Apple Airport Extreme at my office, which is =
basically a wireless router with print server capabilities and other =
functionality (no boos and hisses or discussions about the pros and cons =
of Apple products please -- if you feel you must, please start another =
discussion - I love my Airport Extreme). I have a fixed IP address for =
my internet connection. In order to get the Airport Extreme to function =
properly with the internet service I have at the office I had to put it =
in bridge mode, which disables the port forwarding functionality on the =
Airport extreme.
I also have a server that I'd like to put in my office and expose it to =
the internet. My understanding (which may be way off base) is that =
because the port forwarding on the Airport Extreme is disabled, this is =
probably not possible if I have the server plugged into the Airport =
Extreme.
So.....I'm looking for recommendations on a wired router that I can =
place between the Airport Extreme (which I'll probably still use to =
provide wireless connectivity in the office) and the incoming connection =
that will provide the port forwarding I need for the server, which I =
plan to plug directly into the wired router. The server will be used as =
a Git repo, to store software disk images I don't necessarily want =
cluttering up my daily computer's HDD, and will run some web services =
for development and testing.
Since the server will be plugged into the wired router, something that =
can also function as a firewall would be awesome!
Finally, I'd like to avoid breaking the bank, so anything that exceeds a =
couple hundred dollars is probably not viable, unless that's absolutely =
required to get the functionality I need.
Be kind :)
For those of you familiar with Chattanooga, I'm in the Tivoli Center, =
and Luken Communications provides internet service to tenants, with a =
backup internet connection courtesy of a benevolent cartoon character =
here on Chugalug :).
Lisa Ridley=

===============================================================
From: Tim Youngblood
------------------------------------------------------
Githib.com
knowledge about purchasing a network router for a small office. When I say
rudimentary, I mean that I can plug things up, work a screwdriver or other
tools, can usually figure out from documentation what I need to figure out
to configure things, and I can hold my own at the command line.
basically a wireless router with print server capabilities and other
functionality (no boos and hisses or discussions about the pros and cons of
Apple products please -- if you feel you must, please start another
discussion - I love my Airport Extreme). I have a fixed IP address for my
internet connection. In order to get the Airport Extreme to function
properly with the internet service I have at the office I had to put it in
bridge mode, which disables the port forwarding functionality on the Airport
extreme.
the internet. My understanding (which may be way off base) is that because
the port forwarding on the Airport Extreme is disabled, this is probably not
possible if I have the server plugged into the Airport Extreme.
between the Airport Extreme (which I'll probably still use to provide
wireless connectivity in the office) and the incoming connection that will
provide the port forwarding I need for the server, which I plan to plug
directly into the wired router. The server will be used as a Git repo, to
store software disk images I don't necessarily want cluttering up my daily
computer's HDD, and will run some web services for development and testing.
also function as a firewall would be awesome!
couple hundred dollars is probably not viable, unless that's absolutely
required to get the functionality I need.
Luken Communications provides internet service to tenants, with a backup
internet connection courtesy of a benevolent cartoon character here on
Chugalug :).

===============================================================
From: Ashley Wilson
------------------------------------------------------
I used to be a Linksys fan, but the last few years they seem to be putting
out problematic hardware. If you can find a WRT54G second-hand you will be
OK... and you probably won't have a hard time finding help here with loading
up DD-WRT.
of
Airport
not
testing.
can

===============================================================
From: Lisa Ridley
------------------------------------------------------
Thanks Tim, but that's not really what I'm looking for. Github doesn't =
provide web services for anything other than stuff related to their =
hosted Git service.
I've already got a paid Github account, but I really want this on a =
server physically located in my office so I can (among other things) =
eliminate the Github service. I've got several projects that I don't =
really want to share with the world, but I do want them in a Git repo =
that's not on my local machine. I can set up a Git repo on my Linode =
server instance, but I was really looking to set up something that's =
located on the premises, but that I can access remotely (i.e., from my =
house).
hardware knowledge about purchasing a network router for a small office. =
When I say rudimentary, I mean that I can plug things up, work a =
screwdriver or other tools, can usually figure out from documentation =
what I need to figure out to configure things, and I can hold my own at =
the command line.=20
basically a wireless router with print server capabilities and other =
functionality (no boos and hisses or discussions about the pros and cons =
of Apple products please -- if you feel you must, please start another =
discussion - I love my Airport Extreme). I have a fixed IP address for =
my internet connection. In order to get the Airport Extreme to function =
properly with the internet service I have at the office I had to put it =
in bridge mode, which disables the port forwarding functionality on the =
Airport extreme.
to the internet. My understanding (which may be way off base) is that =
because the port forwarding on the Airport Extreme is disabled, this is =
probably not possible if I have the server plugged into the Airport =
Extreme.
place between the Airport Extreme (which I'll probably still use to =
provide wireless connectivity in the office) and the incoming connection =
that will provide the port forwarding I need for the server, which I =
plan to plug directly into the wired router. The server will be used as =
a Git repo, to store software disk images I don't necessarily want =
cluttering up my daily computer's HDD, and will run some web services =
for development and testing.
that can also function as a firewall would be awesome!
exceeds a couple hundred dollars is probably not viable, unless that's =
absolutely required to get the functionality I need.
Center, and Luken Communications provides internet service to tenants, =
with a backup internet connection courtesy of a benevolent cartoon =
character here on Chugalug :).

===============================================================
From: Lisa Ridley
------------------------------------------------------
Hey Ashley -- yep, I've experienced problems with linksys as well, which =
is what I had at home before I switched to the Apple router. I have a =
WRT54G in my closet right now because it kept dropping my internet =
connection -- used to happen about once every two days.
Would DD-WRT help with the dropped connection, or is that a Linksys =
hardware issue? Do you happen to know?
putting out problematic hardware. If you can find a WRT54G second-hand =
you will be OK... and you probably won't have a hard time finding help =
here with loading up DD-WRT.
wrote:
hardware
I say
other
figure out
is
cons of
for my
it in
Airport
it to
because
probably not
place
provide
that will
plug
repo, to
daily
testing.
that can
exceeds a
absolutely
Center, and
backup
on

===============================================================
From: Phil Sieg
------------------------------------------------------
Lisa,
I would recommend a REAL firewall solution separate from your =
hub/switch/wireless portal.
Either pfsense, or monowall. I use a pfsense box at the office that =
connects to my Airport extreme. The airport extreme is set up as an =
access point only, all DHCP, NAT, port forwarding and other =
security/routing/QOS issues are handled by the pfsense box.
http://www.pfsense.org/
it is free and is easy to install on an old pc if you have one lying =
around. I also happen to sell preconfigured pfsense boxes that are =
"firewall sized" and have 3 ports (lan, wan, opt). Several people on =
list have gotten these from me over the years ($150). The box is an =
800mhz unit with 512mb ram and pfsense runs from a cf card. it is low =
power and totally silent.
There are MANY people on the list that use pfsense in production =
environments, some of which are high dollar e-commerce environments, so =
you can check around.
m0n0wall is pfsense's little bother and is the code foundation for =
pfsense. I use it on my home setup for the simplicity and low overhead. =
(I run it on a 300mhz thin client with 128 mb ram that is 15 years old)
http://m0n0.ch/wall/
DD-WRT is a good option but not any where near the level of these other =
two... I have DD-WRT on my router here at the house, but it is used as =
an access point only as m0n0wall does all my routing.
Phil Sieg
President
SeniorTech LLC / snapf=C5=8Dn=C2=AE
www.snapfon.com
hardware knowledge about purchasing a network router for a small office. =
When I say rudimentary, I mean that I can plug things up, work a =
screwdriver or other tools, can usually figure out from documentation =
what I need to figure out to configure things, and I can hold my own at =
the command line. =20
basically a wireless router with print server capabilities and other =
functionality (no boos and hisses or discussions about the pros and cons =
of Apple products please -- if you feel you must, please start another =
discussion - I love my Airport Extreme). I have a fixed IP address for =
my internet connection. In order to get the Airport Extreme to function =
properly with the internet service I have at the office I had to put it =
in bridge mode, which disables the port forwarding functionality on the =
Airport extreme.
to the internet. My understanding (which may be way off base) is that =
because the port forwarding on the Airport Extreme is disabled, this is =
probably not possible if I have the server plugged into the Airport =
Extreme.
place between the Airport Extreme (which I'll probably still use to =
provide wireless connectivity in the office) and the incoming connection =
that will provide the port forwarding I need for the server, which I =
plan to plug directly into the wired router. The server will be used as =
a Git repo, to store software disk images I don't necessarily want =
cluttering up my daily computer's HDD, and will run some web services =
for development and testing.
can also function as a firewall would be awesome!
a couple hundred dollars is probably not viable, unless that's =
absolutely required to get the functionality I need.
and Luken Communications provides internet service to tenants, with a =
backup internet connection courtesy of a benevolent cartoon character =
here on Chugalug :).

===============================================================
From: William Wade
------------------------------------------------------
If you do want to go the dd-wrt route ;-) I have had nice success with the
ASUS wi-fi ap/routers. Just make sure it is supported via the dd-wrt site
first.
Wil

===============================================================
From: Aaron Welch
------------------------------------------------------
I have a box with pfsense for $100 if you want it. I have another one if an=
yone else needs one too.
-AW
nowledge about purchasing a network router for a small office. When I say r=
udimentary, I mean that I can plug things up, work a screwdriver or other to=
ols, can usually figure out from documentation what I need to figure out to c=
onfigure things, and I can hold my own at the command line. =20
ally a wireless router with print server capabilities and other functionalit=
y (no boos and hisses or discussions about the pros and cons of Apple produc=
ts please -- if you feel you must, please start another discussion - I love m=
y Airport Extreme). I have a fixed IP address for my internet connection. I=
n order to get the Airport Extreme to function properly with the internet se=
rvice I have at the office I had to put it in bridge mode, which disables th=
e port forwarding functionality on the Airport extreme.
e internet. My understanding (which may be way off base) is that because th=
e port forwarding on the Airport Extreme is disabled, this is probably not p=
ossible if I have the server plugged into the Airport Extreme.
etween the Airport Extreme (which I'll probably still use to provide wireles=
s connectivity in the office) and the incoming connection that will provide t=
he port forwarding I need for the server, which I plan to plug directly into=
the wired router. The server will be used as a Git repo, to store software=
disk images I don't necessarily want cluttering up my daily computer's HDD,=
and will run some web services for development and testing.
also function as a firewall would be awesome!
ouple hundred dollars is probably not viable, unless that's absolutely requi=
red to get the functionality I need.
uken Communications provides internet service to tenants, with a backup inte=
rnet connection courtesy of a benevolent cartoon character here on Chugalug :=
).

===============================================================
From: Lisa Ridley
------------------------------------------------------
OK then. Looks like pfsense is winning this round :)
If I can repurpose something I have on hand, I'd like to do so.
I looked through my stash of out of service computers, and here's what I =
have that's reliable I could potentially press into service here:
* An ASUS Eee PC, currently running Ubuntu Desktop v 8 (I think) that =
has a 1G RAM, 40G SSD, 1GHz Intel Atom, 3 USB ports and an Ethernet =
port.
* 2 MacBooks (exactly alike) that have 4GB RAM, a 120G HDD, 2.4GHz Core =
Duo 2, 2 USB ports, a Firewire 400 port and an Ethernet port.
* A Mac Mini with 8GB RAM, a 500GB HDD, 2.0GHz Core Duo 2, 4 USB ports, =
a Firewire 400 port and an Ethernet port.
I also have a tower that i built a couple of years ago, blazingly fast =
at the time, but it's noisy and uses a lot of wattage and I'd like to =
avoid using it in this case if possible.
If I'm using what I already have on hand, my preference would be to =
repurpose either the Asus Eee PC, or one of the MacBooks. I'm thinking =
I need two ethernet ports, so I'm hoping a USB to Ethernet dongle can =
serve as the second one, since putting a second ethernet card in either =
is not really an option with these machines.
Thoughts? Recommendations?
wrote:
if anyone else needs one too.
hardware knowledge about purchasing a network router for a small office. =
When I say rudimentary, I mean that I can plug things up, work a =
screwdriver or other tools, can usually figure out from documentation =
what I need to figure out to configure things, and I can hold my own at =
the command line.
basically a wireless router with print server capabilities and other =
functionality (no boos and hisses or discussions about the pros and cons =
of Apple products please -- if you feel you must, please start another =
discussion - I love my Airport Extreme). I have a fixed IP address for =
my internet connection. In order to get the Airport Extreme to function =
properly with the internet service I have at the office I had to put it =
in bridge mode, which disables the port forwarding functionality on the =
Airport extreme.
to the internet. My understanding (which may be way off base) is that =
because the port forwarding on the Airport Extreme is disabled, this is =
probably not possible if I have the server plugged into the Airport =
Extreme.
place between the Airport Extreme (which I'll probably still use to =
provide wireless connectivity in the office) and the incoming connection =
that will provide the port forwarding I need for the server, which I =
plan to plug directly into the wired router. The server will be used as =
a Git repo, to store software disk images I don't necessarily want =
cluttering up my daily computer's HDD, and will run some web services =
for development and testing.
that can also function as a firewall would be awesome!
exceeds a couple hundred dollars is probably not viable, unless that's =
absolutely required to get the functionality I need.
Center, and Luken Communications provides internet service to tenants, =
with a backup internet connection courtesy of a benevolent cartoon =
character here on Chugalug :).

===============================================================
From: Ashley Wilson
------------------------------------------------------
I just fired up pfSense 2.0 on a Laner FW7535B appliance, and it runs
great... but that's far more than you need (truly, more than I need
just yet). I agree with pfSense being a fantastic platform. If
you're looking for low power, you might be in for some research... and
I've not built a router using USB ethernet ports, so I can't speak to
the reliability of that approach. Ya know, Dell has some cool stuff
in the small form factor space. I was thinking about picking up an
Optiplex fx160 to play around with. It has a half-height mini PCI
slot, so you wouldn't have to worry with the USB NIC. Atom processor
and I think the PSU is 50W.
a
uo
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as
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e:
if
e.
what I
ommand
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for my
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backup

===============================================================
From: Mike Harrison
------------------------------------------------------
The ASUS with DD-wrt rock. More CPU/Ram/Etc..
Heck, we're still using a 54GL with DD-WRT.
Works. One less power hungry fan/power supply, seems to work really well.
Giving due: Adam Jimerson put it on the 54GL's we have,
he's good with them.

===============================================================
From: Aaron Welch
------------------------------------------------------
All of those would be a waste to use. pfsense is a plug and forget applianc=
e. Those are worth money and this one is cheap with everything ready to go.=
-AW
ave that's reliable I could potentially press into service here:
1G RAM, 40G SSD, 1GHz Intel Atom, 3 USB ports and an Ethernet port.
o 2, 2 USB ports, a Firewire 400 port and an Ethernet port.
Firewire 400 port and an Ethernet port.
he time, but it's noisy and uses a lot of wattage and I'd like to avoid usin=
g it in this case if possible.
ose either the Asus Eee PC, or one of the MacBooks. I'm thinking I need two=
ethernet ports, so I'm hoping a USB to Ethernet dongle can serve as the sec=
ond one, since putting a second ethernet card in either is not really an opt=
ion with these machines.
e:
anyone else needs one too.
re knowledge about purchasing a network router for a small office. When I s=
ay rudimentary, I mean that I can plug things up, work a screwdriver or othe=
r tools, can usually figure out from documentation what I need to figure out=
to configure things, and I can hold my own at the command line.
sically a wireless router with print server capabilities and other functiona=
lity (no boos and hisses or discussions about the pros and cons of Apple pro=
ducts please -- if you feel you must, please start another discussion - I lo=
ve my Airport Extreme). I have a fixed IP address for my internet connectio=
n. In order to get the Airport Extreme to function properly with the intern=
et service I have at the office I had to put it in bridge mode, which disabl=
es the port forwarding functionality on the Airport extreme.
the internet. My understanding (which may be way off base) is that because=
the port forwarding on the Airport Extreme is disabled, this is probably no=
t possible if I have the server plugged into the Airport Extreme.
ce between the Airport Extreme (which I'll probably still use to provide wir=
eless connectivity in the office) and the incoming connection that will prov=
ide the port forwarding I need for the server, which I plan to plug directly=
into the wired router. The server will be used as a Git repo, to store sof=
tware disk images I don't necessarily want cluttering up my daily computer's=
HDD, and will run some web services for development and testing.
an also function as a firewall would be awesome!
couple hundred dollars is probably not viable, unless that's absolutely req=
uired to get the functionality I need.
nd Luken Communications provides internet service to tenants, with a backup i=
nternet connection courtesy of a benevolent cartoon character here on Chugal=
ug :).

===============================================================
From: Nick Smith
------------------------------------------------------
Do not put your firewall on a laptop.

===============================================================
From: Lisa Ridley
------------------------------------------------------
Nick -- care to elaborate?
wrote:
appliance. Those are worth money and this one is cheap with everything =
ready to go.
what I have that's reliable I could potentially press into service here:
has a 1G RAM, 40G SSD, 1GHz Intel Atom, 3 USB ports and an Ethernet =
port.
Core Duo 2, 2 USB ports, a Firewire 400 port and an Ethernet port.
ports, a Firewire 400 port and an Ethernet port.
fast at the time, but it's noisy and uses a lot of wattage and I'd like =
to avoid using it in this case if possible.
repurpose either the Asus Eee PC, or one of the MacBooks. I'm thinking =
I need two ethernet ports, so I'm hoping a USB to Ethernet dongle can =
serve as the second one, since putting a second ethernet card in either =
is not really an option with these machines.
wrote:
one if anyone else needs one too.
hardware knowledge about purchasing a network router for a small office. =
When I say rudimentary, I mean that I can plug things up, work a =
screwdriver or other tools, can usually figure out from documentation =
what I need to figure out to configure things, and I can hold my own at =
the command line.
is basically a wireless router with print server capabilities and other =
functionality (no boos and hisses or discussions about the pros and cons =
of Apple products please -- if you feel you must, please start another =
discussion - I love my Airport Extreme). I have a fixed IP address for =
my internet connection. In order to get the Airport Extreme to function =
properly with the internet service I have at the office I had to put it =
in bridge mode, which disables the port forwarding functionality on the =
Airport extreme.
it to the internet. My understanding (which may be way off base) is =
that because the port forwarding on the Airport Extreme is disabled, =
this is probably not possible if I have the server plugged into the =
Airport Extreme.
can place between the Airport Extreme (which I'll probably still use to =
provide wireless connectivity in the office) and the incoming connection =
that will provide the port forwarding I need for the server, which I =
plan to plug directly into the wired router. The server will be used as =
a Git repo, to store software disk images I don't necessarily want =
cluttering up my daily computer's HDD, and will run some web services =
for development and testing.
that can also function as a firewall would be awesome!
exceeds a couple hundred dollars is probably not viable, unless that's =
absolutely required to get the functionality I need.
Center, and Luken Communications provides internet service to tenants, =
with a backup internet connection courtesy of a benevolent cartoon =
character here on Chugalug :).

===============================================================
From: Aaron welch
------------------------------------------------------
The whole single onboard NIC and having to rely on USB for the other would
be one reason. Waste of a functional and useful terminal would be the
other.
-AW

===============================================================
From: Phil Sieg
------------------------------------------------------
USB NIC /=3D RELIABLE
Phil Sieg
President
SeniorTech LLC / snapf=C5=8Dn=C2=AE
www.snapfon.com
wrote:
appliance. Those are worth money and this one is cheap with everything =
ready to go.
what I have that's reliable I could potentially press into service here:
that has a 1G RAM, 40G SSD, 1GHz Intel Atom, 3 USB ports and an Ethernet =
port.
Core Duo 2, 2 USB ports, a Firewire 400 port and an Ethernet port.
ports, a Firewire 400 port and an Ethernet port.
fast at the time, but it's noisy and uses a lot of wattage and I'd like =
to avoid using it in this case if possible.
repurpose either the Asus Eee PC, or one of the MacBooks. I'm thinking =
I need two ethernet ports, so I'm hoping a USB to Ethernet dongle can =
serve as the second one, since putting a second ethernet card in either =
is not really an option with these machines.
wrote:
one if anyone else needs one too.
wrote:
hardware knowledge about purchasing a network router for a small office. =
When I say rudimentary, I mean that I can plug things up, work a =
screwdriver or other tools, can usually figure out from documentation =
what I need to figure out to configure things, and I can hold my own at =
the command line.
is basically a wireless router with print server capabilities and other =
functionality (no boos and hisses or discussions about the pros and cons =
of Apple products please -- if you feel you must, please start another =
discussion - I love my Airport Extreme). I have a fixed IP address for =
my internet connection. In order to get the Airport Extreme to function =
properly with the internet service I have at the office I had to put it =
in bridge mode, which disables the port forwarding functionality on the =
Airport extreme.
it to the internet. My understanding (which may be way off base) is =
that because the port forwarding on the Airport Extreme is disabled, =
this is probably not possible if I have the server plugged into the =
Airport Extreme.
can place between the Airport Extreme (which I'll probably still use to =
provide wireless connectivity in the office) and the incoming connection =
that will provide the port forwarding I need for the server, which I =
plan to plug directly into the wired router. The server will be used as =
a Git repo, to store software disk images I don't necessarily want =
cluttering up my daily computer's HDD, and will run some web services =
for development and testing.
that can also function as a firewall would be awesome!
exceeds a couple hundred dollars is probably not viable, unless that's =
absolutely required to get the functionality I need.
Center, and Luken Communications provides internet service to tenants, =
with a backup internet connection courtesy of a benevolent cartoon =
character here on Chugalug :).

===============================================================
From: Lisa Ridley
------------------------------------------------------
OK, the single onboard NIC I can see. That's an architecture problem, =
and one I think I mentioned earlier as a potential issue.
Resource waste -- that's an economic argument, not a technical one. =
(For example, the Asus Eee has an economic value of about $100, and it's =
not currently being used for anything)
I was just wondering if there was something else inherent with Laptops =
vs. other options that was problematic, or if it's just the USB Nic =
that's at issue.
would be one reason. Waste of a functional and useful terminal would be =
the other.
wrote:
wrote:
appliance. Those are worth money and this one is cheap with everything =
ready to go.
what I have that's reliable I could potentially press into service here:
that has a 1G RAM, 40G SSD, 1GHz Intel Atom, 3 USB ports and an Ethernet =
port.
Core Duo 2, 2 USB ports, a Firewire 400 port and an Ethernet port.
ports, a Firewire 400 port and an Ethernet port.
fast at the time, but it's noisy and uses a lot of wattage and I'd like =
to avoid using it in this case if possible.
repurpose either the Asus Eee PC, or one of the MacBooks. I'm thinking =
I need two ethernet ports, so I'm hoping a USB to Ethernet dongle can =
serve as the second one, since putting a second ethernet card in either =
is not really an option with these machines.
wrote:
one if anyone else needs one too.
wrote:
hardware knowledge about purchasing a network router for a small office. =
When I say rudimentary, I mean that I can plug things up, work a =
screwdriver or other tools, can usually figure out from documentation =
what I need to figure out to configure things, and I can hold my own at =
the command line.
is basically a wireless router with print server capabilities and other =
functionality (no boos and hisses or discussions about the pros and cons =
of Apple products please -- if you feel you must, please start another =
discussion - I love my Airport Extreme). I have a fixed IP address for =
my internet connection. In order to get the Airport Extreme to function =
properly with the internet service I have at the office I had to put it =
in bridge mode, which disables the port forwarding functionality on the =
Airport extreme.
it to the internet. My understanding (which may be way off base) is =
that because the port forwarding on the Airport Extreme is disabled, =
this is probably not possible if I have the server plugged into the =
Airport Extreme.
can place between the Airport Extreme (which I'll probably still use to =
provide wireless connectivity in the office) and the incoming connection =
that will provide the port forwarding I need for the server, which I =
plan to plug directly into the wired router. The server will be used as =
a Git repo, to store software disk images I don't necessarily want =
cluttering up my daily computer's HDD, and will run some web services =
for development and testing.
that can also function as a firewall would be awesome!
exceeds a couple hundred dollars is probably not viable, unless that's =
absolutely required to get the functionality I need.
Center, and Luken Communications provides internet service to tenants, =
with a backup internet connection courtesy of a benevolent cartoon =
character here on Chugalug :).

===============================================================
From: Dan Lyke
------------------------------------------------------
On Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:22:56 -0400
Lisa Ridley wrote:
Only other thing I can think of (and, apologies if this was touched on
earlier in the thread): Laptop drives seem to have a relatively limited
lifespan.
But I've got old laptops doing various things, it's better for the
environment than landfill, and they are generally fairly power friendly.

===============================================================
From: Nick Smith
------------------------------------------------------
Well, if its for production use, you dont want it on a laptop, or any
serious use.
Reliability, it wont last as long as a desktop or fanless unit (i love
Phil's firewalls, i have bought several)
Its a waste of hardware for a firewall in my opinion.
You want to stay away from usb nic's too as other people have stated.
Not saying it wont work, its just not a good idea.

===============================================================
From: Dave Brockman
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Actually, laptops make handy little appliance type boxes. I use an
old used one for a router between certain subnets for a client who
couldn't afford a decent layer 3 switch. They tend to draw less power
than desktops/servers, and have their own built-in battery backup.
Regards,
dtb
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From: Ryan Macy
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Are any of those mac books for sale ? :)

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From: Lisa Ridley
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Yes. I'll email you tonight with info on what I have. I'm headed out =
the door to meet hubby to pick out stuff for the house we've been =
remodeling all my life :-/
wrote:
wrote:
appliance. Those are worth money and this one is cheap with everything =
ready to go.
what I have that's reliable I could potentially press into service here:
has a 1G RAM, 40G SSD, 1GHz Intel Atom, 3 USB ports and an Ethernet =
port.
Core Duo 2, 2 USB ports, a Firewire 400 port and an Ethernet port.
ports, a Firewire 400 port and an Ethernet port.
fast at the time, but it's noisy and uses a lot of wattage and I'd like =
to avoid using it in this case if possible.
repurpose either the Asus Eee PC, or one of the MacBooks. I'm thinking =
I need two ethernet ports, so I'm hoping a USB to Ethernet dongle can =
serve as the second one, since putting a second ethernet card in either =
is not really an option with these machines.
wrote:
one if anyone else needs one too.
hardware knowledge about purchasing a network router for a small office. =
When I say rudimentary, I mean that I can plug things up, work a =
screwdriver or other tools, can usually figure out from documentation =
what I need to figure out to configure things, and I can hold my own at =
the command line.
is basically a wireless router with print server capabilities and other =
functionality (no boos and hisses or discussions about the pros and cons =
of Apple products please -- if you feel you must, please start another =
discussion - I love my Airport Extreme). I have a fixed IP address for =
my internet connection. In order to get the Airport Extreme to function =
properly with the internet service I have at the office I had to put it =
in bridge mode, which disables the port forwarding functionality on the =
Airport extreme.
it to the internet. My understanding (which may be way off base) is =
that because the port forwarding on the Airport Extreme is disabled, =
this is probably not possible if I have the server plugged into the =
Airport Extreme.
can place between the Airport Extreme (which I'll probably still use to =
provide wireless connectivity in the office) and the incoming connection =
that will provide the port forwarding I need for the server, which I =
plan to plug directly into the wired router. The server will be used as =
a Git repo, to store software disk images I don't necessarily want =
cluttering up my daily computer's HDD, and will run some web services =
for development and testing.
that can also function as a firewall would be awesome!
exceeds a couple hundred dollars is probably not viable, unless that's =
absolutely required to get the functionality I need.
Center, and Luken Communications provides internet service to tenants, =
with a backup internet connection courtesy of a benevolent cartoon =
character here on Chugalug :).